Constellation of Genius

Modernism is both a philosophical movement and an art movement. It arose from broad transformations in Western society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It reflected a desire for the creation of new forms of art, philosophy, and social organization which reflected the newly emerging industrial world, including features such as urbanization, new technologies, and war. Artists attempted to leave traditional forms of art, which they considered outdated or obsolete.

Ezra Pound declared 1922 to be year one of a new age. The previous age had ended when Joyce wrote the final words of Ulysses in October of the preceding year. This is a breezy book which provides an entertaining overview of the subject.

I also listened to the BBC Radio 4 program: 1922: The Birth of Now. Matthew Sweet investigates objects and events from 1922, the crucial year for modernism, that have an impact today. And a couple of episodes of The Rest is History:
* Ep 136: 2022 marks 100 years since one of the most important years in modern history. In part 1 Tom and Dominic discuss all things 1922: Bolshevism, fascism, and the significance of The Waste Land and Ulysses.
* Ep 137:: In part 2 of this centennial episode, Tom and Dominic cover the triggering of the Irish Civil War, the birth of the BBC, and Howard Carter's ‘Tutmania'.